Perez was the first to go deep with a two-run homer in the second, while Bonifacio smacked a two-run shot in the fourth and was followed by a solo shot from Moss. Moss provided an insurance run with a solo blast in the eighth off reliever Adam Wilk. It was the first four-homer game for the Royals this season.

"We needed to win this game," manager Ned Yost said. "We had some good at-bats today and that sixth run was a huge run for us. Gave us some extra breathing room."

The first three jacks came against Twins right-hander Phil Hughes, who lasted four innings, allowing five runs on six hits and two walks. It was the third straight start Hughes gave up at least four runs and raised his ERA to 5.74.

Royals rookie right-hander Jake Junis, who was recalled from Triple-A Omaha before the twin-bill opener and optioned back after the game, couldn't get deep enough into the game to pick up the win. He went 4 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits. The two runs came in the fifth on RBI singles from Brian Dozier and Miguel Sano.

"I wasn't going to argue [about coming out in the fifth]," Junis said. "It's always up to them. I was at my pitch count and went to [Mike Minor], and he got the job done. That's all that matters."

Sano's two-run double

KC@MIN: Sano lines a two-run double to cut deficit

Miguel Sano laces a two-run double off the right-field wall to bring the Twins within one run in the bottom of the 7th inning

The Twins made it a one-run game with two runs in the seventh, keyed by a two-run double from Sano off the right-field wall with one out. But Sano was stranded there with Max Kepler grounding out and Eduardo Escobar striking out.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDBack-to-back blasts: The Royals extended their lead thanks to consecutive homers from Bonifacio and Moss off Hughes in the fourth. Bonifacio's came on a 2-1 cutter, while Moss' came on a 1-0 changeup. Bonifacio's blast left the bat at 103.7 mph and went a projected 421 feet, while Moss' had an exit velocity of 111.3 mph and traveled a projected 421 feet, per Statcast™. It was the third time this year the Royals hit back-to-back homers.

Royals hit back-to-back homers

KC@MIN: Bonifacio, Moss belt back-to-back home runs

Jorge Bonifacio and Brandon Moss smash back-to-back home runs for the Royals in the top of the 4th inning

"The offense came up huge, those home runs definitely made my job easier," Junis said.

Minor miracle: The Twins threatened with two out in the fifth, loading the bases for Kennys Vargas, who provided the tying two-run homer in the ninth inning in Minnesota's win on Friday. Vargas represented the potential go-ahead run, but lefty Minor got him to pop up to first baseman Eric Hosmer to end the inning. Vargas offered at a first-pitch fastball that jammed him in on the hands. Minor, who threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings, was credited with the win, his first with the Royals.

Minor induces pop out

KC@MIN: Minor escapes jam, induces pop out

With the bases loaded, Mike Minor gets Kennys Vargas to pop out to first base to end the bottom of the 5th inning

SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Perez's homer in the top of the second not only gave Kansas City an early advantage, but it also marked his 93rd blast as a catcher -- matching Mike Macfarlane for most in franchise history from the backstop.

Perez's two-run homer

KC@MIN: Perez launches a two-run home run

Salvador Perez smashes a two-run home run to left field to give the Royals a 2-0 lead in the top of the 2nd inning

UNDER REVIEW
The Royals lost a challenge in the eighth, when Whit Merrifield was picked off and ruled out at second base. After a review, the call was ruled as stands and Merrifield was out at second.

Twins nab Merrifield stealing

KC@MIN: Twins throw out Merrifield, call stands

Whit Merrifield attempts to steal second base in the 8th inning and after the Twins challenge, the out call on the field stands